Building an SFF PC for server, what stuff?

[LadFromWales]

*i posted this in the General Hardware forum, then realised that this is probably a better place to ask. Mods please delete if this is inappropriate *

Hey guys.

I'm looking to build myself a small computer in a case that can take at least 3 hard drives (4 would be even better!). I'd prefer SATA due to the cable size and leaving PATA free for optical and plugging in odd drives to do odd tasks.

It'll be running debian, not decided on whether or not I'll want an X server, though if I do, basic graphics should suffice, as it'll only be running XFCE or some other light window manager.

Main tasks will be running as a file server, NNTP, BitTorrent, FTP, HTTP, probably squid. It'll also be relied upon to serve the odd online game, so processor power would be nice!

I've had a quick look around, seen some mATX boards with AM2 and 4xSATA ports, but I thought I'd run it across you guys first.

The case is important too, as I'm looking to make this computer as small as possible, while still being able to hold 3+ hard drives.

Any ideas much appreciated

 

[LadFromWales]

If I'm going to go for a mini case, I could get a Antec Lanboy, but I was looking to go as small as possible...it's been on the back boiler for ages, lol!

I'm not 100% decided on AM2, but if I can get a faster performing Intel dual core chip, board, and RAM, for less than I can get AMD, I'll go for it! My main PC is 'only' an Opteron 170, this server will end up being more powerful than it!

That Silverstone Sugo looks lush! I've also been looking at the Aspire X-QPack and the Antec NSK1300, but can't decide!

The box will be starting off with two hard drives (probably Samsung 500gb unless I'm recommended otherwise with good reason ) and an optical, but I'd like there to be room to take another 2 drives later on.

Please don't limit product suggestions to OcUK's lines though

I'm not really sure how much power it's going to need. Personally I think a beefy 2GHz dual core is overkill, but it doesn't look much more expensive than yesterdays dated tech...